So my RES's shell has been turning white for a long time already. Initially I asked the storeowner if this was a cause of concern, but he said it was normal and my RES was just shedding. However, it's been like this for a few months. Ocassionally the whites of some parts will become green again and for some time last year my RES shedded some scutes which led me to trust the storeowner but it soon turned white again.I'm getting more concerned as my RES has been spending a lot of time out of the water and being very inactive. Sometimes it also seems to have difficulty opening it's eyes. But it is still eating fine. I feed turtle pellets and lettuce.

I also have another little guy in the same tank and they like to stack. It's shell is beginning to turn a little white too. Should I separate the two?

Starting to get concerned about my RES's shell. Been white for a long time now but he always been acting fine and shopowner said that it was simply shedding.However recently he seems to have difficulty opening his eyes sometimes and spends most of the day out of the water.

Another smaller turtle is sharing the tank and it's shell is beginning to have white spots as well.

How big is your turtle? 3.5 inchesHow long have you had it? 10 months

What is the water temperature? 77FDid you use a thermometer? YesAre you using a water heater? NoHow much water is in there? 15 gallonsAre you using a water conditioner? NoAre you using any filtration? No

What is the basking temperature? Not sure, tank is kept under the sunIs there a basking light? NoIs there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? YesWhat kind is it or what is it made out of? PlasticIs there a UVB light? No

What have you been trying to feed it? Pellets and lettuceWhen was the last time your turtle ate? Yesterday evening

It's shell fungus. It is contagious to other turtles and it needs to be treated or it can cause secondary problems, which are worse than the fungus itself. It shouldn't be bothering the eyes, though your setup is lacking in some of the basics that RES require. As for fungus treatment, look into my post history and search for ssd cream, I have a rundown of a treatment routine that I recommend.

okay, thank you i’ll look into that. would it be okay to use other fungal creams in the mean time as i’m searching for ssd? and also, is this a variant of shell rot? i just purchased some betadine to treat my other one, is that the right thing to do?

and i’m not sure if you can see from the picture, but some of the scutes shed partially making half of the scute look different, like those in the middle of its shell. is this also the fungal problem or is it another issue?